Out of the Dark

Out Of The Dark is the third in the DCI Caplan series, and probably the best yet. Caplan investigates a missing young woman with family links to a former senior officer. A dying former colleague asks her to visit and alludes to a number of unsolved cases that were not takes seriously. Caplan takes up the challenge ...

The DCI and her team find themselves embroiled in something much bigger than they could have thought. The case takes them across rural Scotland, seeking some very devious and twisted criminals. With elements of police politics, psychological control and a cunning cover up, this is a complex plot.

Out Of The Dark has a relatively slow pace, the case developing from small clues and deductions. It is gripping and intriguing in equal measures as Caplan and co near the solution. Overall, an excellent read.

Thank you NetGalley and Severn House for the eARC.
DCI Christine Caplan is working the case of the home death and hanging of two partners; the disappearance of two young women; and bodies found in outlying areas in Scotland. Plus, a former police officer friend of hers wants her to look into the old cases of some missing and murdered men and girls. She's dying of cancer and it's her last wish. There aren't enough hours in the day for Caplan!
This is a taut, well written and compelling book with some incredibly evil people in it.
But Caplan, Craigo and the others on her team are all terrific. I love Craigo, he's such an undervalued
and fun character. Can't wait for the 4th in this fabulous series! Highly recommended!

A dying cop asks DCI Christine Caplan to fulfill her last wish: to investigate a cold case that’s still preying on her mind. The naked body of a young man that was found in a lonely wood, dismissed as a down and out by her superiors. Caplan connects the case to other victims left to die in the bleak Scottish forests, injured and unable to escape. As the scent grows stronger, the cold cases suddenly seem dangerously hot.

Out of the Dark by Caro Ramsay is a combination police procedural and psychological thriller book. It was suspenseful and atmospheric. This is a good addition to the DCI Christine Caplan thriller series.

I will read more by this author and in this series. I would recommend this book. It had solid characters, a good plot, well-planned suspense, and good twists to hold my interest.

#OutoftheDark #NetGalley @severnhouse

DCI Christine Caplan #3

Caplan’s evening starts with two dead bodies, apparent suicides, in a quiet cul-de-sac and no one hears a thing. DS Craigo is placed in charge of that though both officers know something is off with the crime scene, whilst she is sent to Glen Douglas. After a tortuous and mysterious journey in the dark, close to Ministry of Defence land, there’s another body and it’s a strange one. It’s certainly suspicious and definitely unexplained. As if that’s not enough, Caplan’s dying friend Rachel asks her to investigate a missing person cold case that’s been troubling her final days. Does this have any links to a current missing person enquiry, that Bethany Robertson? As ever, Caplan’s life is a busy one but she has a good small team to back her up. Further dogged investigation reveals the presence of something much bigger and darker than they could ever have envisioned and several cold cases merge into one large distressing one .

I really like the character of Caplan and feel that Caro Ramsay has created someone that you can relate to, who feels authentic and who you can like. Not only are the cases gripping but you got a good blend of the demands of a ranking officer with just the right balance of the personal in order to add to the realism. They are good supporting characters in the police team, Craigo is a fascinating one and Mackie is entertaining! The higher ranking officers stonewall as per usual, worrying about budgets. I’m sure that’s true! Christine‘s husband Aklan features too and he inadvertently provides some pertinent information for the enquiry.

The story is told at a steady pace, it’s never especially fast except towards the end, but I like the reflective way in which it’s told and that aids the readers thinking too. The case is a real puzzle, as the scale reveals itself it becomes increasingly shocking and horrifying. Who is behind what’s been happening and continues to evade capture? Clearly they are clever, obstructive and seem in control as it becomes apparent that a dangerous and deadly cat and mouse game is underway.

The author has chosen some great settings throughout rural Scotland that gives the right of atmosphere to a suspenseful and tense read.

The suspicions Caplan has are proving accurate and the hunt is on. The ending is a good one and my heart is in my mouth in one terrifying scenario.

Overall, this is another entertaining read from this author and if you like Tartan Noir check the series out, it’s a good one.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Severn House for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.